Kirby-Jones' 20th homer caps rally in eighth

The Ports scored two runs in the eighth inning and three pitchers combined to hold the Modesto Nuts to five hits a 3-1 win on Thursday at Stockton Ballpark.

The Record

The Ports scored two runs in the eighth inning and three pitchers combined to hold the Modesto Nuts to five hits a 3-1 win on Thursday at Stockton Ballpark.

Stockton's winning rally began with two outs when B.A. Vollmuth drew a walk against Modesto reliever Craig Benningson before A.J. Kirby-Jones hit his 20th home run this season to give the Ports the lead.

Zach Thornton came on to close for the Ports in the ninth. He gave up a one-out double to Brett Tanos and a walk to Joey Wong to bring the go-ahead run to the plate. But Thornton got Helder Velasquez to line out to Kirby-Jones at first base, who threw to shortstop Michael Gilmartin to double-off Tanos at second base and end the game.

Max Perlman threw 61/3 innings for Stockton and gave up no runs on two hits with two walks and four strikeouts. T.J. Walz gave up a run on two hits in 12/3 innings, but took the win to improve to 7-6. Thornton earned his 15th save.

Stockton opens its final road trip of the season with a three-game series at Visalia at 7 p.m. today.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.